explicit

Definition of explicit

Etymology

First attested 1609, from French explicite, from Latin explicitus ("disentangled", "easy"), a past participle of explicāre ("to unfold"), from ex- ("out") + plicare ("to fold").

Pornographic sense is from 1971.

Pronunciation

• enPR: ĭk-splĭsĭt
• {{https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/81/En-us-implied.ogg|Audio (US)
• Rhymes: -ɪsɪt

Adjective

explicit (comparative more explicit, superlative most explicit)

1. very specific, clear, or detailed
   
   I gave explicit instructions for him to stay here, but he followed me, anyway.
   
   
2. containing material (e.g. language or film footage) that might be deemed offensive or graphic
   
   The film had several scenes including explicit language and sex.

Synonyms

• express
• overt

Antonyms

• implicit
• unexplicit

Derived terms

• explicitly
• explicitness

Related terms

• explicate
• explication
• explicator